Inspiring the Next Generation: Sir John Armitt CBE Shares Industry Insights with London Campus Students
On 5 March 2025, the University of Portsmouth London campus welcomed one of the UK's most celebrated engineers, Sir John Armitt CBE, Chair of the National Infrastructure Commission and proud University of Portsmouth alumnus.
Sir John was invited by Dr Don Samuel, Senior Lecturer in Construction Project Management, to speak with students and share insights from his remarkable career. During the session, he reflected on the experiences that shaped his leadership journey and the lessons he learned along the way.
The discussion also explored the future of the construction industry from the vital role of the National Infrastructure Commission to global trends in infrastructure and what it takes to be a resilient construction project manager in a changing world.
One key message stood out: great project managers don’t just deliver buildings, they build strong, effective teams.
Students then took part in a lively debate on Sustainable Design influenced by Artificial Intelligence. The debate was moderated by Dr Samuel, with Sir John and Dr Murat Ayhan, Senior Lecturer in Construction Project Management, as judges. Both sides made powerful, well-argued points on the role of AI in shaping the future of civil engineering.
We’re incredibly grateful to Sir John and the National Infrastructure Commission for giving their time, wisdom and support to our students, helping them connect classroom learning to the realities of industry.